The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Springfield Laser Safety Program
SIULaser3
Laser Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
All Class 3b and 4 lasers used at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine – Springfield are required to have
written safety operating procedures available at the instrument for review by the laser operator(s). Complete this
form for each laser system. Safe laser use and procedural compliance is the responsibility of the faculty
Physician/Principal Investigator (P/PI).
 This procedure shall be read and signed by all persons who use lasers listed in this SOP.
Please type or print in ink. Do not use pencil.
1.
Location Information:
Department: _________________________________________ Date: ____________________
Building: _________________________________ Room #(s): ___________________________
2.
Laser Safety Contacts:
Principal Laser User: ________________________________________ Phone: ______________
Laser Safety Officer (LSO): ________James Kane_________________ Phone: __545-7581____
SIUSOM Security:
Medical Emergencies:
3.
Phone: __545-7777_____
1.
2.
911
Notify CP/PI and LSO of all laser-related injuries ASAP
Description of Laser:
Laser Manufacturer: _____________________________________________________________
Model Number: ____________________________ Serial Number: _______________________
Laser Classification Marked on Laser (check one):
IIIb (3b) ____
IV (4) ____
Laser Type (Nd:YAG, HeNe, etc.): _________________________________________________
Mode of Operation:
Continuous Wave: ____ Pulsed: ____
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Wave length: ___________(nm)
4.
General Operating Procedures:
Enter your operating procedures for this laser system in A – D below. Be brief and concise.
If a category is NOT APPLICABLE to your operation, simply leave the area BLANK.
A)
Initial preparation of Clinical Room or Laboratory for normal operation (key position,
warning light on, interlock activation, warning signs posted, personnel protective
equipment available, other):
1. Post regulation laser warning signs at eye level at all doors permitting access to operating suite.
2. Issue appropriate laser protective eyewear to all personnel within the operative suite.
3. Cover windows with appropriate laser resistant, flameproof barriers.
4. Place open container of sterile water near surgical field for use in extinguishing flames.
5. Position laser and operative equipment to permit unobstructed traffic in suite.
6. Check to ensure wall suction and other smoke evacuating equipment is operational before
beginning procedure.
7. Ensure that sterile drape is secured on handpiece at a distance of more than 4 cm from aperture
to prevent combustion.
8. Ensure proper operation and placement of foot pedals used to activate the laser beam.
9. Close the doors to any cabinets that contain flammable material.
B)
Patient / target area Preparation:
1. Provide patient with patient appropriate laser protective eyewear.
2. Allow alcohol or wet iodine preps to dry completely before firing laser.
C)
Special procedures (alignment, safety tests, maintenance tests, etc.):
1. Calibration and checks of control function of the laser system is performed prior to each use.
2. Maintenance of the laser system is performed according to manufacturer’s recommendation
and documented.
D)
Operation procedures are as follows:
1. Describe here your procedures for use of the laser system.
E)
Shutdown procedures for this laser are as follows:
1. Remove laser-warning signs from doors when laser procedure is completed.
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5.
General Laser System Control Measures:
Provide some information regarding the general laser safety control mechanisms in place
for this laser system in the text boxes below. If a particular control measure is not in place,
or it is NOT APPLICABLE to your system, simply leave the corresponding box BLANK.
Check if
applicable







6.
CONTROL
Entryway (door)
Interlocks or
Controls
Laser Enclosure
Interlocks
Laser Housing
Interlocks
Emergency Stop
Panic Button
Beam Stops /
Attenuator
Master Switch
(operated by key or
computer code)
Laser Secured To
Base

Protective Barriers

Warning Signs

References to
Equipment Manual
COMMENTS
1. Post regulation laser warning signs at entrance doors.
2. If the Nominal Hazard Zone extends to an entrance doorway,
and the doorway must be opened during the procedure, then the
laser beam shall not be operated during the time the door is open.
3. Observers must be minimized. All observers must be
authorized and issued laser protective eyewear and other
appropriate personal protective equipment.
1. Infrared laser must terminate in fire resistant material and the
absorber must be inspected periodically
1. Laser system controlled by key switch. When laser is not in
use, key is kept secured and separate from laser system.
1. Regulation, 'Danger: Laser' warning signs shall be posted at
eye level at all entrances to the operating suite.
2. Laser warning signs will be removed when laser is not in use.
Specific Laser and Collateral Hazards and Control Measures
Provide some information regarding the specific laser and collateral hazards, and the
control mechanisms in place, in the text boxes below. If a particular hazard is not present,
or is NOT APPLICABLE to your system, simply leave the corresponding box BLANK.
Check if
applicable

HAZARD
Unenclosed Beam
Access to Direct or
Scattered Radiation
CONTROL (S)
1. All persons within the Nominal Hazard Zone for this laser shall
wear laser protective eyewear that is appropriate for the wavelength
and power level of this laser.
2. Control of the direction of the active beam shall be maintained at
all times.
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
Laser at Eye Level
of Person sitting or
Standing
Ultraviolet
Radiation
Reflective Material
in Beam Path



7.

Hazardous
Materials (dyes,
solvents, etc.)
Fumes / Vapors

Electrical

Capacitors

Compressed Gases

Fire (access to
alarms,
extinguishers, etc.)

Housekeeping

Trip / Fall Hazard
(cables on floor,
etc.)
1. Exposure of bone to direct beam may generate collateral ultraviolet
radiation.
1. Use only anodized/blackened/matte finish retractors in field.
2. Do not bring reflective instruments or the smoke suction wand into
the field while the beam is activated.
1. Ensure adequate operation of room ventilation, smoke evacuators
to prevent buildup of offensive odors, noxious fumes or toxic gases.
2. Evacuate smoke plumes from field via wall suction to control
LGACs and improve visibility.
1. Check electrical connections for proper grounding and polarity.
2. Check electrical cords and cables for damage.
3. Ensure proper placement of foot pedals.
4. Exercise care in handling of saline or other conductive fluids.
1. Compressed gas tanks shall be secured according to SIU Safety
Committee policy and OSHA regulations.
1. Ensure unobstructed access to fire extinguishers and open
containers of sterile water.
2. Use only wet and/or fire retardant materials in field.
3. Ensure that combustible liquids or other materials are stored in
closed cabinets.
4. Do not place hot fiber tip on dry drapes.
5. Ensure use of non-flammable approved laser-resistant endotracheal
tubes ONLY.
6. Inflate endotracheal tube cuffs with liquid.
7. Suction liquefied fat to prevent flash fires.
8. Minimize oxygen content of anesthesia/medical gases.
1. Locate laser equipment and other ancillary portable electrical
equipment to maximize safe traffic.
2. Handle liquids carefully to prevent spills.
3. Promptly clean up liquid spills.
Personal Protective Equipment
A.
Eyewear
For this Laser…
…Wear this Eyewear
Acquisition
date
Type
Wavelength
(nm)
Example:
Nd:YAG
1064, 532
Wavelength
Attenuated
(nm)
1064, 532
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Optical
Density (OD)
Remarks
5+
UVEX
B.
Other Protective Equipment Required within the Controlled Area
Item
Location
Usage Condition
Lab Coats
Room 1234
Worn when operating laser
Ocular Shields
Room 1234
Applied to eyes of patients prior
to facial procedures
RETURN COMPLETED SOP AND ATTACHMENTS TO:
Office of Radiological Control
801 North Rutledge Street
Springfield, Illinois
For Committee Use (revised 4/04)
Date App. Received: _______________________
Committee Action:
RCC Ref. No. ____________________________
Expiration Date: ____________________________________
RCC Chairman: _____________________________________________
Approved ___
Rejected ___
Date: _______________________
Conditions or Remarks: _________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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